Bangladesh — February 12

Bangladesh’s 2026 national election is one of the most significant tests of democratic resilience in South Asia. After mass student protests in 2024 toppled long-time leader Sheikh Hasina, the country has been governed by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Scheduled for February 12, the election will determine all 300 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) and will be accompanied by a constitutional referendum. Over 127 million voters are registered, making it one of the largest electorates in the world.

With the ruling Awami League previously barred from contesting and major opposition parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) re-entering the fray, this election represents a dramatic realignment of political forces.

At stake are fundamental questions about civil liberties, judicial independence, and the role of the military in governance, issues highlighted by analysts who note deep public mistrust and the need for credible electoral processes to prevent renewed instability.

Nepal — March 5

Nepal is preparing for one of the most consequential elections against the backdrop of major political unrest. In September 2025, Gen Z-led protests spread nationwide, driven by discontent with corruption, authoritarian governance, and a controversial social media ban. The protests became the most intense political movement in years, leading to violent clashes and dozens of deaths.

Following the unrest, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, and the federal Parliament was dissolved. In response, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her Nepal’s first female head of government. The interim government’s primary task is to oversee a stable transition toward the March elections.

Republic of the Congo — March 22

The Republic of the Congo will hold its presidential election on March 22, 2026, with long-time incumbent Denis Sassou Nguesso seeking another term after decades in power.

Nguesso, who has governed since 1997 and previously served from 1979 to 1992, remains a polarising figure. Critics argue his extended rule has eroded democratic norms, and freedom indices rate the polity among the lowest in political rights.

The election is significant for domestic governance, but also because Congo holds key natural resources and strategic importance in Central Africa. Opposition coalitions are attempting to unify against Nguesso’s longstanding rule, and the 2026 vote could signal either continuity or a breakthrough for alternative leadership.

Colombia — May 31

Colombia will hold its presidential election on May 31 , following parliamentary elections earlier in March. The contest comes at a critical juncture for the Andean nation as it tackles issues like narcotics-driven violence, economic inequality, and peace process implementation.

The 2026 vote will test the durability of reforms initiated under previous administrations and will shape Bogotá’s diplomatic posture toward neighbouring Venezuela and broader Western Hemisphere cooperation on security and migration challenges.

The country is also expected to elect a new leader as the incumbent President Gustavo Petro has been banned from recontesting.

Ethiopian General Election — June 1

Scheduled for June 1, 2026, Ethiopia’s general election will be the first major vote since ongoing internal conflicts deeply disrupted the nation’s political landscape.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party will seek to extend its hold on power in a country still grappling with security challenges, a fragile economy, and questions about electoral credibility.

As East Africa’s second-largest country by population, Ethiopia’s political direction will resonate across the region, particularly in how it handles ethnic tensions, federal governance, and economic reform been high in recent years.

Brazil — October 4

Brazil’s general election, set for October 4, will be closely watched across Latin America and beyond.

Brazil’s election will determine the presidency as well as the composition of both chambers of Congress. With Brazil being the largest democracy in Latin America, influential in regional trade, climate policy, and global diplomatic forums, political shifts here could affect Mercosur, climate cooperation (especially Amazon preservation), and relations with major powers such as the United States, China, and the EU.

Sitting President Lula da Silva is seeking a second term and will be going head-to-head with the son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio Bolsonaro.

Two senior Philippine officials have resigned after being linked to a major corruption probe into missing infrastructure funds, escalating the crisis facing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stepped down as investigations widened into billions allegedly diverted from anti-flood projects. The scandal has triggered mass protests, with hundreds of thousands rallying in Manila. Politician Zaldy Co, now abroad, has accused Marcos of pushing for suspicious budget increases, though the claims remain unverified. Several officials have already been charged as inquiries continue into “ghost” public works and substandard or non-existent flood control projects.

Agri exports seen to gain from latest US tariff exemptions

Philippine agricultural exports are expected to gain a boost after the United States removed its 19 percent tariff on a range of products under an executive order issued on November 14. Coconut-based goods, tropical fruit juices, cocoa, bananas, oranges, spices and some semiconductor items are now exempt, covering an estimated $1 billion worth of Philippine agri-exports in 2024. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the move will strengthen export competitiveness, protect jobs and enhance economic stability, adding that a large share of shipments to the US is now free of reciprocal tariffs.

President Marcos declares $6.5 million in wealth

The declared wealth of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has risen steadily since he took office, according to their 2022–2024 SALNs obtained by local paper The STAR. Their net worth increased from P329.23 million upon assuming the presidency to P389.36 million by end-2024. The latest filing shows P247.33 million in real properties and P42.03 million in personal assets. The growth was driven by higher cash holdings, expanded money market investments, and new property acquisitions, including two houses in La Union worth a combined P86.5 million and several agricultural lots in Ilocos Norte. Jewellery, vehicles and paintings also increased in value. The couple declared zero liabilities throughout the three-year period. 

Philippines falls in climate policy, mitigation rankings

The Philippines has dropped from 7th to 19th in the latest Climate Change Performance Index , slipping from a high to a medium performer. It remains the only Southeast Asian country in the top 20, ranking above the EU, France, Germany and India. The fall is largely due to weak climate policy, slow progress on renewable energy, and the government’s failure to submit updated climate targets ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Civil society groups say the delay reflects political shortcomings, while experts warn Manila still lacks a net-zero pathway and a plan to phase out fossil fuels. The index notes continued reliance on liquefied natural gas despite signs of coal decline. Critics add that corruption and frequent disasters hinder more ambitious climate action.

President Marcos denies sister’s accusation of drug use fanning family feud

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected fresh accusations by his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, that he has a long-term cocaine habit. The claims emerged as the country faces mass protests over corruption. Speaking at a Manila rally, the senator alleged his supposed drug use dated back to their father’s rule and had fuelled poor governance, but provided no evidence. The presidential palace dismissed the remarks as unfounded and previously disproven, citing past negative drug tests. Imee also accused the president’s family of drug use, while the palace criticised her for overlooking similar controversies involving the Dutertes, who deny wrongdoing.

Wanu, 43, is the MP for Makunduchi Constituency in Zanzibar, while Mchengerwa, 46, represents Rufiji Constituency in the Pwani Region.

The reshuffle also brought back another political family name, with former President Jakaya Kikwete’s son Ridhwani Kikwete appointed Minister for Public Service Management and Good Governance in the President’s Office.

Ridhwani, 46, serves as MP for Chalinze in Pwani and is a member of the ruling CCM party. His father is widely seen as a key figure in Samia's rise within the party and to the presidency.

Other appointments include Khamis Mussa Omar as Minister for Finance, replacing Mwigulu Nchemba, who became Prime Minister last week, and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who was retained as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.